Muguruza, now ranked sixth, says she is learning to cope with the lofty expectations on her, and understanding the need to be patient.

“I have more responsibility, more pressure, more eyes on me and you feel that winning is an obligation. I can be my worst enemy,” the 23-year-old told the paper.

She hailed Germany’s Angelique Kerber, who ended Serena Williams’ status as world number one in September, as a model of consistency.

“Each week she has been there, fighting and getting great results,” she said. “Perhaps Williams wins three tournaments and is the best but Kerber each week has reached the semi-finals and has managed to overtake her.”